Man groped 9-year-old girl at Oak Park shopping center

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Authorities asked the public today for help in identifying a man who groped a 9-year-old girl at Marketplace at the Grove mall.

The assailant, who appeared to be in his mid-20s to early 30s, approached the victim as she was looking at toys with her 3-year-old sister in a Ross Dress for Less store at the Oak Park shopping center and grabbed her buttocks about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, according to San Diego police.

The groper, who also was seen in Kohl's and Target stores at the College Grove Avenue mall that evening, may have been traveling in a dark- colored sedan, officials said.

The victim was unable to provide a detailed description of the man, but at least one surveillance camera at the shopping center captured images of him.

Anyone who might be able to help investigators track down the perpetrator was asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580- 8477.

Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

A federal judge in California ruled Thursday that a twin son of a gay married couple has been an American citizen since birth, handing a defeat to the U.S. government, which had only granted the status to his brother.

A federal judge in California ruled Thursday that a twin son of a gay married couple has been an American citizen since birth, handing a defeat to the U.S. government, which had only granted the status to his brother.

The San Diego area's notably wet and frigid winter continued unabated Thursday as the latest in a lengthy series of blustery storms soaked and frosted the region with rain and mountain snow for a second straight day.

The San Diego area's notably wet and frigid winter continued unabated Thursday as the latest in a lengthy series of blustery storms soaked and frosted the region with rain and mountain snow for a second straight day.

Isolated showers and mountain snow, snow level down to 2000' - 2,500', will linger through 1 am. The Winter Storm Warning for the mountains will also expire at that time. As the wet weather moves out, the cold / dry air will filter in across San Diego.

Isolated showers and mountain snow, snow level down to 2000' - 2,500', will linger through 1 am. The Winter Storm Warning for the mountains will also expire at that time. As the wet weather moves out, the cold / dry air will filter in across San Diego.